Aspirin's anti-cancer benefits greater than previously thought

Three studies in prestigious medical journals, including two in The Lancet and one in The Lancet Oncology offer the best evidence yet of the thrilling anti-cancer and cancer preventive effects of aspirin in an older population.

For people in middle age, a low daily dose of aspirin can help prevent the development of cancer, especially if they are at higher risk of cancer than the rest of the population. Unlike prior beliefs, which suggested that this benefit did not begin for ten years after beginning taking it, this new research suggests that the benefits may begin after just a couple of years.

Finally, researchers believe they have evidence that aspirin can even treat cancer in people who already have it, adding to the growing body of evidence that aspirin may have some anti-metastatic properties.

This does not mean researchers are advocating aspirin as an anti-cancer medication just yet; they would like future research to address the following issues:

-- What is the optimal period of time to be taking aspirin for?
-- At what age does the biggest benefit and smallest risk occur?
-- Who is most likely to benefit, and who is most likely to get side effects?
-- How can we minimize the risk of a stroke when people stop taking the drug?

Source: Medical News Today